wiper blades PONTIAC SOLSTICE 2007 Owners Manual

8(Mist):Move the lever all the way down to
this position for a single wiping cycle. Hold it there
until the windshield wipers start; then let go.
The windshield wipers will stop after one wiping
cycle. If you want additional wiping cycles, hold the
lever down longer.
Damaged wiper blades may prevent you from
seeing well enough to drive safely. To avoid
damage, be sure to clear ice and snow from the
wiper blades before using them.
If the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them. If your blades
do become damaged, get new blades or blade
inserts.
Heavy snow or ice can overload your wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it
cools. Clear away snow or ice to prevent an
overload. If the motor gets stuck, turn the wipers
off, clear away the snow or ice, and then turn
the wipers back on.
As an added safety feature, if the wipers are on
for more than 15 seconds, the vehicle’s headlamps
will turn on automatically. They will turn off
15 seconds after the wipers are turned off.Windshield Washer
To wash the windshield, press the button at the
end of the lever until the washers begin.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your
washer until the windshield is warmed.
Otherwise the washer uid can form ice
on the windshield, blocking your vision.
When you release the button, the washers
will stop, but the wipers will continue to wipe
about three times or will resume the
previous speed.
114

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a
wet road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn as
well because your tire-to-road traction is not as
good as on dry roads. And, if your tires do not havemuch tread left, you will get even less traction. It is
always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain
starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may
get wet suddenly when your reexes are tuned for
driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see.
Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good
shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see
road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings,
the edge of the road, and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment
in good shape and keep your windshield washer
uid reservoir lled with washer uid. Replace your
windshield wiper inserts when they show signs
of streaking or missing areas on the windshield,
or when strips of rubber start to separate from
the inserts.
211

Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you will nd experienced and able service experts
in GM dealerships all across North America. They
will be ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
216

Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 292
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 293
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 295
Buying New Tires...................................... 296
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 297
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 298
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 299
Wheel Replacement.................................. 299
Tire Chains............................................... 302
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 302
Tire Inator Kit.......................................... 303
Appearance Care........................................ 314
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 314
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 315
Leather...................................................... 316
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 317
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 317
Weatherstrips............................................ 317
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 318
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 318
Finish Care............................................... 319Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 320
Convertible Top......................................... 320
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels......... 321
Tires......................................................... 322
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 322
Finish Damage.......................................... 322
Underbody Maintenance............................ 323
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 323
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 324
Vehicle Identication.................................. 325
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)........... 325
Service Parts Identication Label............... 325
Electrical System........................................ 326
Add-On Electrical Equipment..................... 326
Headlamp Wiring....................................... 326
Power Windows and Other
Power Options....................................... 326
Fuses and Circuit Breakers....................... 326
Floor Console Fuse Block......................... 327
Underhood Fuse Block.............................. 329
Capacities and Specications.................... 332
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
234

Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-Up Lamps 3047
Fog Lamp 898*
Front Parking/Turn Signal Lamp 3757NAK
Front Sidemarker Lamp 194
Headlamps, High/Low-Beam/
Daytime Running LightsH13
License Plate Lamp 168
Stoplamp, Taillamp and
Turn Signal Lamp3157K
* Uplevel Model
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact
your dealer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for
wear and cracking. SeeAt Least Twice a Year
on page 347for more information.Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. For proper type and
length, seeNormal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 355.
To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly
do the following:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
283

Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters
when running, wax, sap, or other material may
be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a glass
cleaning liquid or powder and water solution.
The windshield is clean if beads do not form when
it is rinsed with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper
blades and affect their performance. Clean
the blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked
in full-strength windshield washer solvent. Then
rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as
necessary; replace blades that look worn.
Convertible Top
The vehicle’s convertible top should be cleaned
often. However, high pressure car washes
may cause water to enter your vehicle.When you hand wash the top, do it in partial
shade. Use a mild soap, lukewarm water and a
soft sponge. A chamois or cloth may leave lint on
the top, and a brush can chafe the threads in
the top fabric. Do not use detergents, harsh
cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents.
Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to
avoid spots or rings. Let the soap remain on
the fabric for a few minutes. When the top is really
dirty, use a mild foam-type cleaner. Thoroughly
rinse the entire vehicle, then let the top dry
in direct sunlight.
To protect the convertible top:
After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top
is completely dry before you lower it.
Do not get any cleaner on the vehicle’s
painted nish; it could leave streaks.
If you decide to go through an automatic car
wash, ask the manager if the equipment
could damage your top.
320

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all
your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly. Look for
any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired.
Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular
maintenance.
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or
that streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also
seeWindshield and Wiper Blades on page 320.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth.During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 353.
Manual Transmission Check
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid
level. Check for leaks. A uid leak is the only
reason for uid loss. Have the system inspected
and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transmission Inspection
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid
level. A transmission uid leak is the only
reason for uid loss. Check for leaks. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the uid level in the brake system and
clutch system reservoir. SeeHydraulic Clutch on
page 256. A uid loss in the brake or clutch
hydraulic system could indicate a problem. Have
the system inspected and repaired at once.
347

A
Accessories and Modications..................... 235
Accessory Power Outlet(s).......................... 121
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle....................................................... 55
Additives, Fuel............................................ 238
Add-On Electrical Equipment....................... 326
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine............................. 254
Air Conditioning........................................... 122
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator....................... 132
Readiness Light....................................... 131
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic
Module (SDM).......................................... 373
Airbag System............................................... 42
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle......................... 55
How Does an Airbag Restrain?.................. 48
Passenger Sensing System....................... 50
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..... 54
What Makes an Airbag Inate?.................. 48
What Will You See After an
Airbag Inates?...................................... 48
When Should an Airbag Inate?................. 47
Where Are the Airbags?............................. 45Antenna, Fixed Mast................................... 187
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.................................................... 187
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................... 195
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light....... 135
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels........ 321
Care of Safety Belts................................ 317
Chemical Paint Spotting........................... 323
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.............. 318
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 314
Convertible Top........................................ 320
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 315
Finish Care.............................................. 319
Finish Damage......................................... 322
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces.......................... 317
Leather.................................................... 316
Sheet Metal Damage............................... 322
Tires........................................................ 322
Underbody Maintenance........................... 323
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials.......... 324
Washing Your Vehicle .............................. 318
Weatherstrips........................................... 317
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 320
Ashtray(s).................................................... 122
383

Center Console Storage Area........................ 99
Chains, Tire................................................. 302
Charging System Light................................ 134
Check
Engine Light............................................ 138
Checking Things Under the Hood................ 242
Chemical Paint Spotting.............................. 323
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems............................. 33
Infants and Young Children........................ 30
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children....... 37
Older Children........................................... 27
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Passenger Seat Position......................... 38
Cigarette Lighter.......................................... 122
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels........ 321
Convertible Top........................................ 320
Exterior Lamps/Lenses............................. 318
Fabric/Carpet........................................... 315
Finish Care.............................................. 319
Inside of Your Vehicle.............................. 314
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces.......................... 317
Leather.................................................... 316
Tires........................................................ 322Cleaning (cont.)
Underbody Maintenance........................... 323
Washing Your Vehicle .............................. 318
Weatherstrips........................................... 317
Windshield and Wiper Blades................... 320
Climate Control System............................... 122
Outlet Adjustment..................................... 126
Clutch, Hydraulic......................................... 256
Collision Damage Repair............................. 375
Content Theft-Deterrent................................. 72
Control of a Vehicle..................................... 194
Convertible Top............................................. 99
Coolant
Engine Temperature Warning Light........... 137
Low Warning Light................................... 138
Surge Tank Pressure Cap........................ 260
Cooling System........................................... 262
Cruise Control............................................. 115
Cupholder(s)................................................. 98
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation........................... 371
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users......................... 366
Customer Assistance Offices.................... 366
Customer Satisfaction Procedure.............. 362
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program...... 367
385

W
Warning Lights, Gages and
Indicators................................................. 127
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages................... 148
Hazard Warning Flashers......................... 110
Other Warning Devices............................ 110
Safety and Symbols..................................... 4
Vehicle Damage.......................................... 5
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..................... 299
Different Size........................................... 297
Replacement............................................ 299
Windows....................................................... 70
Manual...................................................... 71
Power........................................................ 71Windshield
Washer.................................................... 114
Washer Fluid........................................... 269
Wiper Blade Replacement........................ 283
Wiper Blades, Cleaning............................ 320
Wipers..................................................... 113
Winter Driving............................................. 220
Winter Tires................................................. 285
X
XM Radio Messages................................... 183
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System......... 187
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment............... 334
396